How to Flood‑Proof Your Home Before the Storm
With winter storms looming, UK homeowners face rising flood risk. Experts advise checking flood alerts, strengthening walls, installing self‑closing airbricks, and using simple household items like water butts and deflated footballs to safeguard homes.
By Felo News Desk · Published
As the UK braces for a wet winter, many households are already hearing warnings about the potential for severe flooding. Climate change and a record‑breaking El Niño have increased the likelihood of heavy rain, making it essential for residents to take proactive measures to protect their homes and neighbourhoods.
Check Your Flood Risk Status
The first step is to determine whether your property is listed as flood‑prone. The government’s flood risk website provides a quick way to see if you are in a high‑risk area. If you are, find out whether your local council runs a flood alert scheme and ensure you and your neighbours are subscribed to both the council’s alerts and the Environment Agency’s flood warning system.
Joining or forming a local community flood group can also give you a voice in local planning. Councils often welcome input on flood defences, such as the installation of permeable surfaces, rain gardens and tree planting. Identifying vulnerable residents and drafting a neighbourhood flood plan ensures everyone knows what to do when a flood occurs.
Strengthen Your Home’s Exterior
Flood protection starts outside. Inspect the brickwork and mortar on your outer walls for cracks or weaknesses. Repair or replace damaged sections and apply a breathable waterproof sealant to reduce the risk of water seeping in. Clear gutters and ensure they are functioning properly to divert rainwater away from foundations.
Water butts—simple containers that capture rainwater before it reaches the ground—are inexpensive and effective. Empty them before a storm to keep them full and ready to absorb the maximum amount of rain, which helps keep drains from becoming overwhelmed.
When designing gardens, driveways and other outdoor areas, choose permeable materials. Concrete, paving and artificial grass hold water and increase runoff, whereas planted beds, rain gardens and permeable paving allow water to infiltrate the soil. Even adding a few water‑thirsty plants to a paved area can make a noticeable difference.
Prepare Your Interior for Flooding
Floods can arrive quickly, so having a "flood to‑do list" is vital. Outline steps such as turning off gas and electricity, and identify items that need to be moved out of harm’s way. Keep a "flood box" with essentials—headlamps, flood tape, plastic sheeting and absorbent cushions—ready for use.
Standard airbricks can let thousands of litres of water into a home each hour. Replace them with Kitemarked self‑closing airbricks that seal automatically when water rises. If that’s not possible, use temporary covers that can be installed manually before a flood.
Flood doors are another effective barrier, though they can be costly. As a cheaper alternative, install floor barriers outside doors and keep flood tape or aluminium tape on hand to seal airbricks, windows and doors during an emergency.
Prevent sewage back‑flow by fitting a non‑return valve to your drainage system. If that’s not feasible, use toilet bungs or stoppers. A creative, low‑cost trick is to deflate a child’s football, push it down the toilet, and then pump it back up. Tape the toilet seat down with flood tape to keep water out.
Elevate valuable items by propping furniture on buckets or trestles, tying curtains with scarves or tights, and placing table legs in buckets or wellies. Store precious objects in plastic clip boxes and keep them out of reach.
Long‑Term Improvements and Community Action
For properties that flood regularly, consider moving plug sockets higher up the walls and installing flood‑resistant flooring. These upgrades make clean‑up faster and cheaper. Community engagement remains key: lobby your council for better flood defences, share information with neighbours and stay informed through official alerts.
As one expert noted, "A little preparation can make a real difference—protecting the things people care about and making it easier to get back to normal if flooding does happen." By combining practical home fixes with community involvement, residents can significantly reduce the impact of winter flooding.
While the exact timing and severity of floods cannot be predicted, taking these steps now can help safeguard homes and give families peace of mind when the next storm rolls in.
Key facts
- Check your flood risk status and join local alert schemes.
- Repair cracks in walls and use breathable waterproof sealants.
- Install self‑closing airbricks and keep flood tape handy.
- Use water butts and permeable surfaces to manage runoff.
- Elevate valuables and keep a flood kit ready for emergencies.
Why it matters
Flooding can cause extensive damage and disrupt daily life. Preparing homes and communities in advance reduces risk, protects property, and saves costly repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a self‑closing airbrick and why is it important?
A self‑closing airbrick automatically seals when water rises, preventing large volumes of water from entering a home. It is a cost‑effective way to block floodwater at the source.
How can I use a child’s football to stop sewage back‑flow?
Deflate the football, push it down the toilet, then pump it back up. Tape the toilet seat to seal the opening, which blocks sewage from re‑entering the house.
What should I do if I live in a high‑risk flood area?
Subscribe to local and national flood alerts, join or start a community flood group, and work with your council to improve local flood defences.
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “How to flood-proof your home: from water-thirsty plants to deflated footballs”
